A tight Thomond Park encounter ended in stalemate as Limerick secured a share of the spoils against Sligo Rovers with a 0-0 draw in the Airtricity League Premier Division.

Ian Baraclough's side failed to convert chances as Anthony Elding and Gavin Peers went close during a first quarter dominated by the Bit O'Red.

Within seconds of the restart Limerick's Barry Ryan made a splendid save to push an Elding effort over the bar.

From then on Limerick brave defiance ensured Sligo had to settle for a point and Stuart Taylor's charges were encouraged by the result.

Keen to make an impact in the early stages Limerick had plenty of bodies in the centre of the park as they sought to disturb Sligo's passing style.

The visitors, though, carved a chance in the third minute when Ross Gaynor's deep cross was met by a looping Anthony Elding header which drifted narrowly wide.

Sligo were getting joy in wide areas and Elding just failed to connect with a blistering right wing Raffaele Cretaro delivery moments later.

Ian Baraclough's side were dictating the pace of the contest in the early stages and Gaynor created another opportunity for Gavin Peers in the eighth minute.

Peers made a firm headed connection, but Limerick custodian Barry Ryan did well to keep the Blues on terms.

Limerick were aggrieved in the 25th minute when Axel Bossekota had a goal belatedly disallowed for handball and the tempo quickened then.

Within seconds Ryan had to make a save to deny a stinging Aaron Greene attempt as Sligo sought to shrug off Limerick's spirited resistance.

But Limerick were now completely settled and Gary Rogers had to be alert to tip over a David O'Leary free-kick on 34.

Elding had another opening within seconds of the restart, while Alan Keane was also denied by Ryan.

But as the evening lingered on Stephen Folan, who had a stint cross channel with Newcastle United, was composed, as Limerick frustrated the Bit O'Red. Limerick sensed that some sort of tangible reward could be gleaned from the fixture with Danny Galbraith, once of Manchester United, flashing the ball dangerously across goal with 15 remaining on the clock.

Still at the opposite end Limerick were completely aware that their concentration levels couldn't wane. When Lynch had to retire injured, Aaron Greene was shifted inside to operate in a withdrawn role behind Elding, but Limerick weren't stretched in the closing stages. They pocketed a point, Sligo left wondering were two dropped?